Merchandise display stand

ABSTRACT

A merchandise display stand for displaying a plurality of products in a vertical arrangement.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a structure for storing or displaying a plurality of products.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a structure for displaying or storing a wide range of products in retail store locations, such as grocery stores, drug stores, discount stores, and convenience stores. Retail store locations typically use conventional shelves and displays to store and display a wide variety of products to consumers. Those shelves are typically fixed in a predetermined aisle format and take up a large amount of floor space at the base of the shelves (i.e. the shelves have a large footprint). Because those shelves are typically fixed in place, those shelves present the drawbacks of not being easily moved to other locations of the store for promotions or other purposes. Further, because those shelves typically occupy a large amount of floor space, those shelves also have the drawback of not being able to fit in small, high traffic locations in the store. For example, those shelves typically cannot be used in secondary placement locations, e.g., between aisles, next to larger shelving displays, near doorways, etc. Moreover, those shelves are typically expensive, and thus, have the drawback of being fairly costly to remove and replace with new shelves.

[0003] The present invention eliminates some of the drawbacks of conventional shelving units. The present invention involves a structure for storing and displaying other structures or merchandise, such as products like soda bottles or boxes of crackers. The structure has a small base (i.e. footprint) and can be placed in numerous locations throughout a retail store, including in high traffic areas and in secondary placement locations. The structure also can be inexpensive and easily disposed of at the termination of use. In addition, certain embodiments of the present invention also may be easily transported to another location without having to remove the product from the display.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Briefly, the present invention is a structure for displaying or storing a plurality of products. The present invention facilitates the merchandising of a plurality of items of various types and sizes. In an exemplary embodiment, the product housing of the structure may include a first wall, second wall, third wall, and fourth wall. A receiving slot is formed in the first wall and is configured to receive a plurality of products in a vertical stack or column. The shape and configuration of the receiving slot is dependent on the cross-sectional shape and number of the products to be displayed in the product housing. In addition, the receiving slot can be sized and shaped to allow products to be placed in and removed from the product housing at any location along a length of the receiving slot. The product housing may also include a product support surface located at the bottom of the product housing. The product support is configured to support the weight of all the products contained in the product housing. The first wall containing the receiving slot provides lateral stability to the stack or column of products contained in the product housing.

[0005] In another embodiment, the product housing may include a first wall containing a first receiving slot, a third wall containing a second receiving slot, and a second wall connecting the first wall to the third wall. The first and second receiving slots are configured to cooperatively hold a plurality of products in a vertically stacked arrangement. The first and second receiving slots support all of the weight of the products contained in the product housing. The first wall and third wall containing the first and second receiving slots provide lateral stability to the stack or column of products.

[0006] In another exemplary embodiment, the merchandise display may have a product housing containing a base member, a plurality of extension members, and a top member. The base member, extension members, and top member define a first wall having a receiving slot configured to hold a plurality of products in a vertically stacked arrangement. The extension blocks can be removed or added to adjust the vertical length of the receiving slot to accommodate various numbers of products in the product housing.

[0007] These and other important features of the present invention may best be understood with reference to the accompanying drawings and in the following detailed description of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0008] The foregoing aspects and many of the advantages of the present invention will become readily appreciated by reference to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0009]FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the merchandise display;

[0010]FIG. 2 is a front view of the merchandise display depicted in FIG. 1;

[0011]FIG. 3 is a side view of the merchandise display depicted in FIG. 1;

[0012]FIG. 4 depicts a merchandise display having receiving slots with notches;

[0013]FIG. 5A depicts a merchandise display having multiple receiving slots for displaying multiple stacks of products;

[0014]FIG. 5B depicts another exemplary embodiment of the merchandise display;

[0015]FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary embodiment of the merchandise display with a roller assembly and a transport handle;

[0016]FIG. 7 depicts an exemplary embodiment of the merchandise display with a roller assembly and a transport handle;

[0017]FIG. 8A depicts an exemplary use of the merchandise display shown in FIG. 6;

[0018]FIG. 8B depicts an another exemplary embodiment of the merchandise display;

[0019]FIG. 9 depicts multiple merchandise displays in a stacked arrangement;

[0020]FIG. 10 is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the merchandise display;

[0021]FIG. 11 is a side view of the merchandise display depicted in FIG. 10;

[0022]FIG. 12 is a top view of the merchandise display depicted in FIG. 10;

[0023]FIG. 13 is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the merchandise display;

[0024]FIG. 14 is a side view of the merchandise display depicted in FIG. 13;

[0025]FIG. 15 is a front view of the merchandise display depicted in FIG. 13;

[0026]FIG. 16 depicts multiple merchandise displays in a stacked arrangement

[0027]FIG. 17 is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the merchandise display;

[0028]FIG. 18 is isometric view of another exemplary embodiment of the merchandise display;

[0029]FIG. 19 depicts the merchandise display in conjunction with an advertising header for displaying advertising graphics;

[0030]FIG. 20 depicts an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the merchandise display;

[0031]FIG. 21 depicts multiple merchandise displays connected together;

[0032]FIG. 22 depicts the merchandise display having connection assemblies for connecting the merchandise display to other merchandise displays;

[0033]FIG. 22A depicts an enlarged view of the connection assemblies; and

[0034]FIG. 23 depicts multiple merchandise displays connected together.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] For a better understanding of the present invention, reference may be had to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. As shown in FIGS. 1-19, the present invention is a structure (that in some applications serves as a merchandise display) 10 generally comprising a product housing 12 for displaying products in stacks or columns. Referring to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, the product housing 12 has a first wall 14, a second wall 16, and a third wall 18. The first wall 14, second wall 16, and third wall 18 are preferably constructed of cardboard, lightweight metal, plastic, foam, or any other suitable lightweight material. The type and amount (i.e. the wall thickness) of the material used may vary depending on the number and weight of the products to be stored or displayed in the product housing 12. The bottom portions of the first wall 14, second wall 16, and third wall 18 define a base 20. The third wall 18 may be perpendicularly connected to the first wall 14 and second wall 16. Alternatively, the third wall 18 can be connected to the first wall 14 and second wall 16 at acute or obtuse angles without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The product housing 12 may be placed directly on a floor, or may be placed on a second structure that elevates the product housing above the floor.

[0036] The width of each wall is preferably narrow so that the footprint by the base 20 is relatively small. Preferably, the width of the walls is less than 3 feet and more preferably, less than 2 feet. The footprint formed by the base is preferably less than 6 square feet, and more preferably, less than 4 square feet. In all of the embodiments of the present invention described herein, the merchandise display 10 is preferably constructed of a suitable lightweight material. Because of the lightweight construction of the merchandise display 10, the merchandise display 10 may be easily transported to various locations inside and outside the retail store. The merchandise display 10 preferably weighs less than 20 lbs., and more preferably, less than 10 lbs. Of course, the merchandise display 10 can alternatively be constructed of non-lightweight materials, such as stone, glass, metal, or other suitable non-lightweight material without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0037] The first wall 14 and second wall 16 each include a receiving slot 22 for receiving and containing products in a vertically stacked arrangement or column. The bottom of the receiving slots 22 supports the weight of the products contained in the product housing 12. In addition, the first wall 14 and the second wall 16 provide lateral stability for the vertically stacked products contained in the receiving slots 22. The configuration and size of each receiving slot 22 is dictated by the shape and size the products to be displayed in the product housing 12. For example, in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, the receiving slot 22 is shaped and sized to display a plurality of vertically stacked cylindrically shaped products, such as beverage containers. The horizontal width of the opening of the receiving slot 22 generally corresponds to the diameter of the cylindrically shaped product. The horizontal width of the opening of the receiving slot 22 should be sufficiently sized to accept the cylindrically shaped product but small enough to minimize lateral movement of the product within the receiving slot 22. Furthermore, the horizontal width of the opening of the receiving slot 22 is uniform along the vertical length of the receiving slot 22 to allow products to be placed in and removed from the product housing 12 at any location along the receiving slot 22.

[0038] Referring to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the receiving slot 22 may additionally include die-cut notches 24 that prevent or reduce lateral movement of the cylindrically shaped product, and thus, provide increased stability to the merchandising display 10. Furthermore, the vertical length of the receiving slot 22 is generally dependent on the maximum number of products to be displayed. For example, a product housing 12 designed to hold a maximum of ten products will have a larger receiving slot 22 that a product housing 12 designed to hold a maximum of five products. Preferably, the vertical length of the receiving slot 22 is more than three times that of the horizontal width. The receiving slot 22 may be shaped and configured to display a wide range of merchandise or products having various shapes and sizes without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. In addition, as shown in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5A, the first wall 14 and second wall 16 may each include a plurality of receiving slots 22 for displaying multiple stacks or columns of product. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5B, the receiving slot 22 may have alternative shapes and contours, for example, the receiving slot 22 may be generally arcuate or curvilinear in shape.

[0039] In use, products are placed in the product housing 12 starting at the bottom of the receiving slots 22. The products are vertically stacked in the receiving slots 22 until the receiving slots 22 cannot accommodate further products. The receiving slots 22 contained in the first wall 14 and the second wall 16 cooperate to hold the vertically stacked products in the product housing 12. Each product bears the weight of the product(s) stacked above it. Thus, the bottom-most product located at the bottom of the receiving slot 22 bears the weight of all the products stacked above it. In turn, the bottom of the receiving slots 22 supports the total weight of all the products contained in the stack of products.

[0040] To facilitate transportation of the merchandise display 10, the merchandise display may have a roller assembly 26 located at the bottom of the merchandise display 10. For example, as shown in the embodiments in FIGS. 6-7, the roller assembly 26 includes rollers or wheels 27 that may be connected to the base 20. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the rollers or wheels 27 are connected to the bottom corners of the first wall 14 and second wall 16. In another embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the rollers or wheels 27 may be connected to two corresponding bottom corners of the first wall 14 and second wall 16, while floor posts 28 may be connected to the other two corresponding corners of the first wall 14 and second wall 16. In addition, the merchandise display 10 may additionally include a transport handle 30 connected to the third wall 18. The roller assembly 26 and transport handle 30 can be connected to the merchandise display 10 in a variety of locations and ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As shown in the embodiment in FIG. 8A, the merchandise display 10, after being stocked with product, can be readily, conveniently, and easily moved to different locations within a single store or to other store locations. For example, the merchandise display 10 could be delivered to the retail store completely filled. Once the merchandise display 10 is placed at the store location, products can immediately be sold from the merchandise display 10 without having to first stock the merchandise display 10.

[0041] As shown in the embodiment in FIG. 3, the configuration of the merchandise display 10 provides a generally clear or unobstructed view of the displayed product when consumers view one side of the merchandise display 10. To further enhance the presentation of the product at other angles of view, the first wall 14, second wall 16, or third wall 18 may be constructed of transparent plastic or other suitable transparent material. For example, if the third wall 18 is constructed of transparent plastic, then consumers will have a clear view of the displayed product from the other side of the merchandise display 10. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 8B, the entire product housing 12 may be constructed of transparent plastic. With such a construction, consumers can view the displayed product from virtually any angle.

[0042] The generally U-shaped configuration of the exemplary embodiment of the merchandise display 10 facilitates transportation and storage of numerous merchandise displays 10 at one time. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 9, multiple merchandise displays 10 can easily be stacked in a vertical arrangement for transport and/or storage.

[0043] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, shown in FIG. 10-12, the product housing 12 of the merchandise display 10 may have a first wall 14, second wall 16, a third wall 18, a fourth wall 19, and a support wall 32. The support wall 32 generally increases the stability of the merchandise display 10. The receiving slots 22 may be formed in the first wall 14 and second wall 16 such that the products are displayed in the merchandise display 10 in a generally horizontal position. Alternatively, the receiving slots 22 may be formed in the first wall 14 and second wall 16 such that the products are displayed in the merchandise display 10 at a slight angle. For example, the distance from the bottom of the second wall 16 to the bottom of the receiving slot 22 formed in the second wall 16 may be slightly less than the distance from the bottom of the first wall 14 to the bottom of the receiving slot 22 formed in the first wall 14. The support wall 32 provides a backstop or retaining surface for the products in the inclined position. The inclined orientation of the products generally enhances the presentation of the products to consumers and facilitates consumers' access to the products.

[0044] In another exemplary embodiment, shown in FIGS. 13-15, the product housing 12 has a first wall 14, second wall 16, third wall 18, and a fourth wall 19. In this embodiment, only the first wall 14 has a receiving slot 22. The product housing 12 additionally includes a generally horizontal product support surface 34 for supporting the weight of the vertically stacked products. The support surface 34 may have a generally horizontal orientation. Alternatively, the support surface 34 may have an inclined orientation to position the products at a slight angle for increased presentation to and easier access by the consumers. Each product bears the weight of the product(s) stacked above it. Thus, the bottom-most product located at the bottom of the receiving slot 22 bears the weight of all the products stacked above it. In turn, the weight of all the products contained in the stack of products is supported by the product support surface 34. As shown in FIG. 16, the merchandise display 10 may be integrally constructed of a single sheet of foldable or collapsible corrugated cardboard or other suitable foldable lightweight material. The single sheet of foldable or collapsible cardboard can be easily manipulated and simple to use (i.e. to place in the use position and to fold or unfold) and is inexpensive to manufacture. In addition, as shown in FIG. 16, numerous merchandise displays 10 can be conveniently folded and stacked. Thus, numerous merchandising displays 10 can be easily and efficiently transported and/or stored at one time.

[0045] In another exemplary embodiment, shown in FIG. 17, the merchandising display 10 may be an integrally molded structure. The first wall 14, second wall 16, third wall 18, fourth wall 19, product support surface 34, and a top 36 may be integrally formed from molded foam, plastic, or other lightweight moldable material or from non-lightweight material. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 18, the merchandise display 10 may be formed from a base member 38, extension members 40 and a top member 42. The extension members 40 can be added or removed as desired. Thus, removing or adding extension members 40 to the product housing 12 can adjust the vertical length of the receiving slot 22, the walls 14, 16, 18, 19. The base member may be configured to hold the products in a generally horizontal orientation or a slightly inclined orientation. The base member 38, extension members 40, and top member 42 can be constructed of any suitable lightweight material, and preferably are formed from molded foam or plastic.

[0046] In all of the above-described embodiments, the merchandise display 10 can further include a variety of advertising graphics. Advertising graphics may be placed on any portion of or all of the merchandise display 10 to enhance the presentation of and promote the product to consumers. For example, advertising graphics can be placed on the first wall 14, second wall 16, third wall 18, and fourth wall 19 of the merchandising display 10. In addition, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 19, a header 44 containing advertising graphics may also be attached to the merchandising display 10.

[0047] In all of the above-described embodiments, the merchandise display 10 may further include a platform 46 connected to the base 20 or bottom of the product housing 12. For example, as shown in FIG. 20, the platform 46 may be a raised platform for elevating the product housing 12 off the floor. The raised platform 46 enhances the presentation of the product to the consumer because the platform 46 raises all of the product up from the floor and requires the consumer to bend over less to reach the bottom most product in the product housing 12. In addition, the platform 46 reduces or eliminates the possibility that the product housing 12 will come into contact with moisture (e.g., when a store employee is mopping the floor at night) located on the store floor that may cause damage to the product housing 12. The platform 46 may be constructed of glass, metal, plastic, wood, cardboard or other suitable strength material.

[0048] In addition, in all of the above described embodiments, multiple product housings 12 may be placed adjacent to each other and/or connected together to form a composite display 10 having multiple stacks of vertically arranged products. For example, as shown in FIG. 21, two product housings 12 may be connected to each other, forming a composite merchandise display 10 having multiple columns of products for display to the consumer. Connecting multiple product housings 12 provides increases stability to the merchandise display 12 and allows the storeowner to display an increased number of products at one time.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 22 and FIG. 22A, multiple product housings 12 may be connected or coupled together via connection assemblies 48. One or more connection assemblies 48 can be formed in each product housing 12. In an exemplary embodiment, each connection assembly 48 comprises a connection tab 50 and a connection slot 52. The connection tab 50 and connection slot 52 may be die cut in the product housing 12. The product housings 12 may be connected by inserting the connection tab 50 located on one product housing 12 into the connection slot 52 located on another product housing 12. The connection assembly 48 may be formed in one or all of the walls of the product housing 12. For example, the connection assemblies 48 may be formed in the second wall 16, third wall 18, or fourth wall 19. As a result, the product housings 12 can be connected or coupled to together in a variety of configurations. For example, as shown in FIG. 23, the second wall 16 of one product housing 12 may be connected to the third wall 18 of another product housing 12. Alternatively, the second wall 16 of one product housing 12 may be connected to the second wall 16 of another product housing 12.

[0050] In the foregoing specification, the present invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that a person understanding this invention may conceive of changes or other embodiments or variations, which utilize the principles of this invention without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention. The specification and drawings are, therefore, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense. 

I claim:
 1. A merchandise display structure comprising, in combination: a product housing comprising a product support surface and at least one receiving slot, the receiving slot configured to hold a plurality of products in a vertically stacked arrangement and to allow products to be placed in and removed from the product housing at any location along a length of the receiving slot, the product support surface located near the bottom of the product housing for supporting the weight of all the products contained in the product housing.
 2. The merchandise display structure of claim 1 further comprising a roller assembly connected to the product housing.
 3. The merchandise display structure of claim 2 further comprising a transport handle connected to the product housing.
 4. The merchandise display structure of claim 1 wherein the product support surface is configured to hold the plurality of products in a substantially inclined position.
 5. The merchandise display structure of claim 1 wherein the receiving slot contains notches for reducing the lateral movement of products contained in the product housing.
 6. The merchandise display structure of claim 1 wherein the product housing further comprises a first wall containing the receiving slot, a second wall, and at third wall for connecting the front wall to the rear wall.
 7. The merchandise display structure of claim 1 further comprising a platform for elevating the product housing.
 8. The merchandise display structure of claim 1 further comprising at least one connection assembly capable of connecting the product housing to another product housing of another merchandise display structure.
 9. The merchandise display structure of claim 8 wherein the connection assembly comprises a connection tab and a connection slot.
 10. A merchandise display stand comprising, in combination: a product housing comprising a first receiving slot and a second receiving slot for cooperatively holding a plurality of products in a vertically stacked arrangement, the first and second receiving slots configured to support the weight of all the products contained in the product housing.
 11. The merchandise display stand of claim 10 further comprising a roller assembly connected to the product housing.
 12. The merchandise display stand of claim 10 further comprising a transport handle connected to the product housing.
 13. The merchandise display stand of claim 10 wherein the first receiving slot and the second receiving slot are configured to cooperatively hold the plurality of products in a substantially inclined position.
 14. The merchandise display stand of claim 10 wherein the product housing further includes a first wall, second wall, and a third wall for connecting the first wall to the second wall, wherein the first receiving slot is formed in the first wall and the second receiving slot is formed in the second wall.
 15. The merchandise display stand of claim 10 further comprising a platform for elevating the product housing.
 16. The merchandise display stand of claim 10 further comprising at least one connection assembly capable of connecting the product housing to another product housing of another merchandise display structure.
 17. The merchandise display stand of claim 16 wherein the connection assembly comprises a connection tab and a connection slot.
 18. A merchandising display stand comprising, in combination: a product housing having a base member and a plurality of extension members, the base member, extension members and top member defining a front wall having at least one receiving slot, the receiving slot configured to hold a plurality of products in a vertically stacked arrangement, whereby the vertical length of the receiving slot can be manipulated by changing the number of extension members.
 19. The merchandise display stand of claim 18 wherein the base member supports the weight of all the products contained in the product housing.
 20. The merchandise display stand of claim 18 wherein the base member and extension members are molded structures.
 21. The merchandise display stand of claim 18 further comprising a roller assembly connected to the base member.
 22. The merchandise display stand of claim 18 further comprising a platform for elevating the product housing.
 23. The merchandise display stand of claim 18 further comprising at least one connection assembly capable of connecting the product housing to another product housing of another merchandise display structure.
 24. The merchandise display strand of claim 23 wherein the connection assembly comprises a connection tab and a connection slot.
 25. A structure comprising, in combination: a first wall, a second wall, and a third wall, at least two of said walls forming a base, the front wall comprising a receiving slot into which a plurality of products can be inserted and thereby supported by the structure.
 26. The structure of claim 25 wherein the first wall, second wall and third wall form a product housing integrally constructed of a single sheet of foldable material.
 27. The structure of claim 26 wherein the product housing is constructed of corrugated cardboard.
 28. The structure of claim 26 wherein the product housing can be folded flat.
 29. The structure of claim 25 further comprising a platform for elevating the product housing.
 30. The structure of claim 25 wherein the receiving slot has a vertical length and a horizontal width, wherein the vertical length is at least three times larger than the horizontal width of the receiving slot.
 31. The structure of claim 25 wherein the first, second, and third walls are comprised of at least 50% cardboard.
 32. The structure of claim 25 wherein at least one of the walls is comprised of at least 50% metal.
 33. The structure of claim 25 wherein at least one of the walls is comprised of at least 50% glass.
 34. The structure of claim 25 wherein at least one of the walls is comprised of at least 50% plastic.
 35. The structure of claim 25 wherein at least of the walls is comprised of at least 50% stone.
 36. The structure of claim 25 wherein at least one of the walls contains graphics.
 37. The structure of claim 25 wherein the first wall has a width of less than three feet.
 38. The structure of claim 25 wherein the first wall and second wall each have a width of less than three feet.
 39. The structure of claim 25 wherein the first wall, the second wall and the third wall each have a width of less than three feet.
 40. The structure of claim 25 wherein the base has a surface area of less than six square feet.
 41. The structure of claim 25 wherein the base has a surface area of less than four square feet.
 42. The structure of claim 25 wherein the combined weight of the first wall, the second wall and the third wall is less than 20 pounds.
 43. The structure of claim 25 wherein the combined weight of the first wall, the second wall and the third wall is less than 10 pounds.
 44. The structure of claim 25 wherein at least two of the walls are substantially parallel to each other.
 45. The structure of claim 25 wherein the third wall is substantially perpendicular to the first wall and the second wall.
 46. The structure of claim 25 wherein at least two of the walls are connected to each other, wherein the angle formed between the two walls is acute.
 47. The structure of claim 25 wherein at least two of the walls are connected to each other, wherein the angle formed between the two walls is obtuse.
 48. The structure of claim 25 where at least two of the walls are connection to each other, wherein the angle formed between the two walls is a right angle. 